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How do I migrate to a new computer saving all my settings and add ons etc in Firefoz

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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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I use Windows 7 Home Edition and Firefox .What is the easiest way to transfer Firefox from my Old Computer to my New Computer saving all my ADD ONS ,SETTINGS AND FAVOURITES

I use Windows 7 Home Edition and Firefox .What is the easiest way to transfer Firefox from my Old Computer to my New Computer saving all my ADD ONS ,SETTINGS AND FAVOURITES

Modified by Rob Winearls

Chosen solution

One is to use the SYNC option in Firefox. But a number of users have reported problems, like loss of data.

Buy a thumb drive and plug it in the computer.

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

In the file browser, go up one level. You should see highlighted the folder you were just in. What you want to do is Copy that folder to the thumb. One this is done, take the thumb to the new computer.

NOTE: Different computers and programs store information differently. The Firefox on the new system Must Be The Same Version as the old one.

On the new system, create a profile. This will be done by starting the program. Follow the instructions above to open the profile folder. Close Firefox.

Open another file manager to the thumb drive. Enter the profile folder. Mouse click once, then press <Control> A to mark everything. Now Copy Everything to the other profile. You will get errorss because the files being copied already exist. Tell the computer to overwrite all. That should do it.


Once you are set up;

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

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All Replies (5)

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Chosen Solution

One is to use the SYNC option in Firefox. But a number of users have reported problems, like loss of data.

Buy a thumb drive and plug it in the computer.

Type about:support in the address bar and press enter.

Under the page logo on the left side you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To it’s right press the button Show Folder. This will open your file browser to the current Firefox profile. Now Close Firefox.

In the file browser, go up one level. You should see highlighted the folder you were just in. What you want to do is Copy that folder to the thumb. One this is done, take the thumb to the new computer.

NOTE: Different computers and programs store information differently. The Firefox on the new system Must Be The Same Version as the old one.

On the new system, create a profile. This will be done by starting the program. Follow the instructions above to open the profile folder. Close Firefox.

Open another file manager to the thumb drive. Enter the profile folder. Mouse click once, then press <Control> A to mark everything. Now Copy Everything to the other profile. You will get errorss because the files being copied already exist. Tell the computer to overwrite all. That should do it.


Once you are set up;

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

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Will this also save all my internet connections? At one time I had to go into settings (I think) and set the ISP settings etc. Do I still need to do this and if so where should I look?

Thank you,

Tregarth

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All user settings should be in the user profile.

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Thank you for your reply. I have just migrated to Win10 without a problem. If I may expand on your reply: Before I switched off Win7 I used Synchronise and added a password as requested. Synchronisation took place but it was not clear to me as to exactly what settings had been synchronised, hence my question of 8/28/15.

Once I had installed FF a new window automatically appeared after a few seconds saying Synchronise. I clicked on it, the first attempt failed (hysteria everywhere) so I retried, this time it worked and I now have all of my bookmarks on my PC.

I now know I need not have backed up my FF bookmarks etc using the Mozill back up tool, but it is a useful safety net.

Sorry if this seems pedantic but in my experience these things never work quite as advertised, what is obvious to someone else is not obvious to me.

Hopefully this long winded reply will give others the courage to make the jump.

Thank you for your help, which is much appreciated.

Tregarth

Modified by Tregarth

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Skype has had problems with loosing user data. The add-ons; FEBE and OPIE (above) are better for backing up. Safe Surfing.